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featured posts
Creator's Journal: Entry 2 - August 10th, 2025
It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks, and we've truly made some significant strides... The biggest win has been locking in the core lore and character profiles for 'The Midgardians'... The progress we've made in the last week has been monumental. We've moved from scattered ideas to a cohesive universe with a clear path forward.
The Social Contract of Gaming: Why 'Table Talk' and House Rules Matter
This social contract is the unwritten agreement we make with our fellow players. It’s a mix of house rules, table talk, and shared etiquette that makes each game night unique... We're not just playing the game; we're also navigating the 'social contract of gaming.
A New Adventure Awaits! Announcing the Official Title for the First Book in My Upcoming Fantasy Series!
I'm excited to share the name of the first book in the fantasy series I've been working on in the background for a long time: “The Midgardians and the Nine Realms. Get ready to enter a world where ancient gods are real, hidden realms exist, and silent wars are raging: “The Midgardians and the Nine Realms: The Heartstone’s Fall.”
The current State of the Board Game Industry: From the perspective of Next Big Thing Publishing
The board game industry is not just surviving; it is thriving. It has evolved from a niche hobby into a vibrant, global community where creativity and connection are paramount. The rise of crowdfunding continues to put power directly in the hands of creators, and the era of the 'alpha player' is giving way to a new golden age of cooperative gameplay.
The Rule book Is Not a Novel: The Importance of Clear Communication in Board Games
A well-crafted Rule Book is a love letter to the players, inviting them into the world and mechanics you've painstakingly created. It should be clear, concise, and, dare we say, even a little enjoyable to read.
The 'Aha!' Moment: What Makes a Game Mechanic Click?
Have you ever sat down to play a new board game, read through the Rule Book, and felt a little lost? Then, it happens. A few turns in, something clicks. You realize that the card you've been holding isn't just a powerful attack, but a critical tool for setting up a different, even more devastating combo. That's the 'Aha!' moment.
Building a World, One Detail at a Time (With a Little Help From My Digital Friend)
As a creator, I've learned that an interesting and believable fantasy world is built using consistent and meticulous detail. To bridge this gap, I rely on an advanced AI assistant I've programmed named Odin, who acts as my World Lore Expert, Lore Guardian, and Critical Editor for my series, 'The Midgardians and the Nine Realms'.
The Nine Realms Await: A Glimpse into a World of Myth and Magic
Beyond the edge of our world, a cosmos of myth and magic awaits... The story begins on Earth, or Midgard, the world of humanity, with two siblings, Andrew and Tessa Jensen... Eventually, a daring mission by some brave Stronghammers frees Tessa from captivity, and the siblings reunite. They learn of their complementary gifts, and the Stronghammers begin teaching them how to harness them, and about the actual reality of the cosmos.
Realms Collide: A Journey Through the World Tree
Welcome to Yggdrasil, the World Tree, the central pillar of the universe that connects and sustains nine distinct realms where all life exists. The cosmos in this story is not one made of empty space, but a living, sentient cosmic entity whose branches, trunk, and roots serve as a vast network of pathways.
The Midgardians - Realm Profile - Svartalfheim
Welcome back as we explore the first stop on our journey through the Nine Realms. Today, we're delving into Svartalfheim, a realm that exists not merely beneath the ground but within the living, breathing stone at the heart of the cosmos. It is the realm of the dwarves, and is a subterranean labyrinth of immense beauty, ceaseless industry, and deep ancient power.
I'm excited to share the name of the first book in the fantasy series I've been working on in the background for a long time: “The Midgardians and the Nine Realms. Get ready to enter a world where ancient gods are real, hidden realms exist, and silent wars are raging: “The Midgardians and the Nine Realms: The Heartstone’s Fall.”